Sexuality Education, Certification and Improved Sexual Health

Sexual health can be improved if the information provided is accurate and the person is motivated to act on that information. Professionals in sexuality need training in order to acquire the knowledge, and to develop the skills to motivate others to engage in behaviours that will enhance ones\' sexual health. Certification by a professional organization that oversees the training of educators is one method that can be implemented to encourage the needed skills and knowledge.

This presentation will include discussion of the criteria established by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists for certification, and how these criteria can enhance increased sexual health of the many persons with whom we interact (as teachers, clients, patients). What would the criteria be? What can be implemented to increase the ability of sexuality education providers? What might be the impact on our people?

Conflict of Interest: None disclosedFinancial Support/Funding: None disclosed Recorded at the 18th WAS World Congress for Sexual Health -Achieving Health, Pleasure and Respect- Sydney, April 15-19 2007

Konstance McCaffree Ph.D

AASECT Certified sexuality educator and adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, Department of Human Sexuality and at the Widener University Center for education. Dr. McCaffree conducts workshops nationwide to help educators improve their skills in teaching sexuality education. She is the co-author of the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) award winning and nationally promoted curriculum for minority youth, Be Proud! Be Responsible!